VERO BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Orchid Underwriters Agency, LLC (“Orchid”), a leading specialty underwriter of catastrophic coastal insurance, today announced that Andrew Cyran will join Orchid as Chief Underwriting Officer, a new position within the organization.

Effective immediately, Mr. Cyran will assume the responsibilities of carrier management, product development, underwriting portfolio management, senior leadership mentoring and leading strategic initiatives for the entire organization. He will work closely with internal business unit leaders to optimize carrier relationships and growth strategies, while maintaining Orchid’s commitment to optimal underwriting practices.

Mr. Cyran has extensive industry experience spanning over 35 years. Prior to joining Orchid, he was the Executive Vice President at Alliant Specialty. Previous roles also include: Head of North America Property for QBE and Chief Underwriting Officer for Ace Westchester. He will be relocating from California to Vero Beach, FL.

“We are especially pleased to have Andrew join Orchid at this time,” said Brad Emmons, Chief Executive Officer and CEO. “After years of a highly competitive underwriting environment, the events of 2017 are likely to trigger significant industry reactions. Orchid has performed well for its customers, producers and carriers, and we look forward to providing the kind of service and continuity that all our partners have come to expect. Andrew’s experience as both a producer and an underwriter as well as his deep industry relationships will help Orchid thrive in exactly this kind of market.”

Mr. Cyran added, “I am excited about joining the Orchid team. Orchid has a very entrepreneurial, positive and visionary culture. I am looking forward to being part of a leadership team that will navigate through these challenging times in the Catastrophe Property Insurance segment. I believe Orchid's record of underwriting excellence, strong carrier partnerships and market leading customer focus will position it well both short and long term. The blend of long term profitability, carrier support, entrepreneurial leadership and financial strength points to a future that is truly exciting."

About Orchid

Founded in 1998 and based in Vero Beach, FL, Orchid (orchidinsurance.com) specializes in providing specialty insurance products for homeowners and small businesses throughout the United States and the Caribbean. The Company’s comprehensive product offering provides customers with a single, comprehensive solution for homeowners and condominium property insurance, including wind and wind only, general and excess flood, earthquake, builder’s risk and others. Orchid aims to be agents’ first choice by offering superior process, policy and pricing options, high quality system technologies, expertise in the E&S market with coastally-exposed risks, and extensive knowledge of coastal CAT-exposed market areas in the East and Gulf Coast states. Orchid only represents well-known A.M. Best A-rated insurance carriers. In November 2014, private equity firm Gryphon Investors made a majority investment in Orchid.